Millard W. Gist, Jr., age 62, of Knoxville, Iowa, passed away on Sunday, September 8, 2019 at the Comfort House in Pella.
Millard was born on May 12, 1957 at the Collins Hospital in Knoxville, the son of Millard and Hilda Gist, Sr. Millard grew up in Bussey and graduated from Twin Cedars High School, Class of 1976. During high school he spent four years as a Varsity drummer.
After graduating, Millard began working at Pella Corp. and was employed there for 37 years. He was united in marriage to Sherry Lynn Sharp on June 28, 1985 at the First United Methodist Church in Knoxville. They first met earlier that year at Alco, where Sherry was employed. Millard and Sherry enjoyed 34 years of marriage and were blessed with four children, Chris, Curt, Josh, and Stephanie.
Millard enjoyed fishing, football, Nascar, playing video games, and mostly spending time with his family.
Millard’s wishes were to be cremated. A visitation will be held on Thursday, September 12, 2019 at the Winfield Funeral Home in Knoxville, beginning at 3:00 P.M. Millard’s family will be present to greet friends and relatives from 5:00 P.M. – 7:00 P.M. A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, September 13, 2019 at 11:00 A.M. at the Winfield Funeral Home. Burial will follow at Graceland Cemetery in Knoxville.
Those left to cherish Millard’s memory include his wife, Sherry Gist of Knoxville; mother, Hilda Gist of Pella; three sons, Chris Gist of Tracy, Curt (Mel) Gist of Lorimor, and Josh Gist of Chariton; two sisters, Linda (Larry) McDaniel of Centerville and Diana (Pat) Roland of Knoxville; six grandchildren, Hunter Gist, Gage Hegwood, Landon Gist, Curtis Binns, Jayden Gist, and Gabriella “Gabby” Giesken; also many nieces and nephews.
Millard is preceded in death by his father, Millard W. Gist, Sr.; daughter, Stephanie Gist; uncle Robert Waters; and aunt Bea Waters.
Memorials may be given in Millard’s memory to his family.